A comparison of two sets of variations on Chopin’s Prelude op. 28, no. 20 in C minor: Ferruccio Busoni’s Ten Variations on a Theme by Chopin, BV 213a and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Variations on a Theme of Chopin, op. 22

This dissertation explores and compares two sets of variations that use Frédéric Chopin’s Prelude, op. 28, no. 20 as a theme: Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Variations on a Theme by Chopin, op. 22 (1902-1903) and Ferruccio Busoni’s Ten Variations on a Prelude by Chopin, BV 213a (1922). The first primary goal of this paper is to provide a comparative overview of the two variation sets through their different approaches to the use of the same musical theme, including historical, compositional, and performance considerations as well as recording history. While it is impossible to prove theories about a society’s musical tastes, this study will provide a better understanding of culture and history surrounding these works. Through an examination of each composer’s approach to variation form and their development of Chopin’s Prelude, op. 28, no. 20, combined with a catalog of recordings of each work, the secondary goal is to be able to increase the understanding of the reception of both composers’ use of the same work as a theme. This information will allow for greater inferences to be made about the development of musical tastes and history in recent years